London gets all the fame, but the England I fell in love with is the one you find outside the city, one train or country road at a time. Rolling hills, honey-colored villages, and stone cottages that feel like true english countryside getaways, and they deserve just as much of your itinerary as Big Ben does.
Chris and I got a taste of that magic on a slow, sunlit morning in Fairford, a Cotswolds village so pretty it barely felt real. We wandered past a garden-wrapped cottage vacation rental, ducked into a centuries-old church to see the only complete set of medieval stained glass windows left in the UK, and left already planning our next countryside escape. Fairford is just one of charming day trips on this list, so grab a map and get ready to fall in love with England beyond the city limits.
English Countryside Getaways
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These are the English countryside getaways worth packing a bag for, not just squeezing into an afternoon. They’re an easy add if you’re already planning a trip to Europe, and honestly, worth a special trip on their own. Think overnight stays in villages so charming you’ll wonder why you booked another night in the city, plus the kind of scenery that’s begging to be photographed.
1. Bakewell
A market town in the heart of the Peak District, Bakewell is an easy stop if you’re exploring beyond the usual English countryside circuit. Chris and I stumbled into The Woodyard for a late lunch after a day of exploring in the rain, and the fireplace alone was worth the stop. By late afternoon the shops were shuttering up for the night, but the ones still open had the coziest window displays.
London to Bakewell: About 3.5-4 hours by car. This English countryside is best explored by car—public transport gets thin once you’re off the main rail lines.
2. Bath
This is one of the best day trips from London that will be intriguing for everyone in the family. The Roman Baths are located in Bath, a historic city about 1.5 hours outside of London. Beyond a tour of the Roman Baths, you can also see the Bath Abbey, the Circus, Pulteney Bridge, and the River Avon.
Did you know that a circus in Britain has nothing to do with clowns? “Circus” comes from the Latin root “circ” (meaning circle). It is a round historic circular-shaped street filled with unique townhomes, ie., Piccadilly Circus.
London to Bath: Hop on the train at Paddington Station in London and you can be in Bath in less than 1.5 hours.
3. Battle of Britain Bunker in Uxbridge
Chris often travels to the UK for business. As such, he has visited a lot of the top “tourist spots” in London, some more than once. I try to help him find new and unusual locations to visit as convenient day trips from London by train, especially since he loves to visit World War II sites. The Battle of Britain Bunker was one of his recent favorite tours.
Note * You must make a reservation to tour the bunker. Advance reservations are recommended.
The Battle of Britain Bunker is an underground operations room that was used during World War II by No. 11 Group Fighter Command. The bunker was the control center for fighter aircraft operations throughout the war, and specifically during the Battle of Britain and on D-Day. You can tour the bunker as well as the above ground visitor center.
London to Uxbridge: A quick 45-minute train ride from London.
4. Bourton-on-the-Water
Bourton-on-the-Water is often called the “Venice of the Cotswolds,” and one look at the low stone bridges arching over the River Windrush explains why. Chris and I made it our last stop on a full day of village-hopping, and even in the rain, it was worth wandering the riverside paths with a camera in hand.
London to Bourton-on-the-Water: About 2 hours by car. No direct train—you’ll want to rent a car if you plan to explore more of the Cotswolds.
5. Brighton
This seaside resort is a popular destination. Enjoy the lively nightlife, ride bikes along the coast, or walk on the beach. Some of the must-see attractions in the area include:
- Royal Pavilion
- Volk’s Electric Railway
- Brighton Museum and Art Gallery
- Brighton Palace Pier
- The Lanes
- Old Police Cells Museum
London to Brighton: Approximately 1.5 hours by train through the English countryside to the southern coast.
6. Bristol
While in Bristol, Chris and I explored the SS Great Britain. You could spend a few hours here exploring the hull, learning about the workings of the ship, and then exploring the inside of the ship with its first class accommodations, lower class accommodations, the cooking area, bathrooms, etc. The berths were about a foot wide and barely long enough for my 5’2″ height!
Take the Cross Harbor Ferry to transport back and forth across the river.
Other things to do and see in Bristol on day trips from London are the Clifton Suspension Bridge, a River Cruise along the River Avon, and guided walking tours.
London to Bristol by train: Approximately 1 hr and 40 minutes.
7. Cambridge
Cambridge, less than one hour from London, is a lovely university town of spired chapels, cobbled lanes, and river walks made for wandering.
Chris and I explored Cambridge on a rainy day, but still enjoyed meandering along the Backs and the River Cam, touring King’s College Chapel, and standing on the Bridge of Sighs. While the day was a little too wet for a punt tour, we saw plenty of the small boats docked along the river.
London to Cambridge by train: Approximately 1 hour
8. Dartmoor National Park
Dartmoor has a little of everything: wild ponies wandering free, ancient tors you can actually climb, ruins with centuries of myths attached, and enough open moorland to make you forget you’re in England at all.
I loved seeing the Dartmoor ponies, photographing the sheep, and hiking to Bellever Tor (a tor is a hill or rocky peak similar to Mam Tor in the Peak District). While seeing Highland cows was high on my list during our day trip from London, I was disappointed to not see any.
Visiting Dartmoor National Park would make for a very long day trip but would be awesome for a weekend break from the city.
London to Dartmoor National Park: 4 to 5 hours by train and 4 hours by car.
9. Fairford
Chris and I spent a slow morning wandering past golden stone cottages and stopped into St Mary’s Church, home to the only complete set of 28 medieval stained glass windows left in the UK. A guide-in-training walked us through the story they tell, starting with the life of Christ and ending with the Last Judgment, originally meant to teach Bible stories to a largely illiterate population.
If you’re staying overnight in the Cotswolds, Fairford makes a peaceful home base with easy access to the more famous villages nearby.
London to Fairford: About 2 hours by car. No direct train—you’ll want a car for this one too, especially if you’re linking it with other Cotswolds villages.
10. Seven Sister Cliffs near Birling Gap
Chris booked a day tour of the Seven Sisters Cliffs tacked onto the end of a business trip to London. Having a day to spare at the end of the week, he was happy to let his tour guide do the driving and the talking.
The Seven Sisters define the English Channel coast and are a series of chalky sea cliffs that are naturally eroding each year. Birling Gap, which is the stop with the most iconic view of the cliffs, offers a visitor center, charming cafes, access to Seven Sisters Country Park, lighthouses, amazing sunrise views, and is the start of many family-friendly walking trails.
You can order takeaway lunches from local cafes; be sure to try the award-winning bread and cheese from Beehive on the Green. If you don’t want to take your packed lunch with you, find a spot overlooking the green and settle in for breathtaking views.
Note * There are many signs warning visitors to stay away from the edge of the cliffs. With the natural erosion, you never know when a chunk of the coast will fall away. Pay attention to the signs.
London to Birling Gap: Approximately 2.5 hours by train, bus, or car.
11. Snowshill
Snowshill was hands-down my favorite village of the whole trip. It’s tiny, and there’s really nothing to “do” beyond wander, but that’s exactly why I couldn’t stop taking pictures. Chris and our daughter Kristen ended up waiting on me far longer than planned while I worked my way down every golden stone lane.
If you have time for one more stop, Snowshill Manor is worth it too—a National Trust property that once belonged to an eccentric collector with one of the strangest, most wonderful private collections in England.
London to Snowshill: About 2.5 hours by car. No direct train—the closest stations are Moreton-in-Marsh or Evesham, then a taxi or short drive.
12. Southampton
Did you know that Southampton is the location where the Titanic set sail? Today, many cruise ships depart from Southampton for European destinations. If you are in Southampton preparing for a cruise or just exploring the area, you might appreciate the chance to:
- Shop along High Street along the QE2 Mile
- Visit the SeaCity Museum
- Walk along the fortress walls
- Visit the Tudor House and Garden
- Airplane enthusiasts will enjoy the Spitfires at Solent Sky Museum
- Tackle high adventure at Go Ape as you climb trees, zip line, cross suspended platforms, and swing like Tarzan
- Try a dessert or two at Heavenly Desserts
London to Southampton: 2 1/4 hours by car or bus, less than an 1 1/4 by train.
13. Stonehenge
Stonehenge, one of the most famous landmarks outside London and in the world, has baffled historians for years seeking answers to why it was built, who built it, and the purpose of the rocks and their placement. Otherworldly? Indeed. Stonehenge was built over 5,000 years ago in the Neolithic period.
The Stone Circle may be the primary reason you visit Stonehenge—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—but you can also visit five houses built during the Neolithic period that were excavated after 2006.
Getting to Stonehenge may present a bit of a challenge if you do not have a rental car or guided tour planned as there are no direct trains to the site. However, you can take the train from London’s Waterloo Station to Salisbury (about 9 miles away) and then take the Stonehenge tour bus, hire a taxi, or ride a bike.
London to Stonehenge: Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes by car.
14. Temple of the Knights Templar
Chris visited the Temple of the Knights Templar while on a business trip to London. The knights had the responsibility of protecting pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem in the 1100’s. While NOT a day trip from London, the unique Temple Church—once a stronghold for the Knights Templar—is located between Fleet Street and the River Thames.
Transport yourself back in time when you visit as you discover the storied history that includes intrigue, initiation rites, and wealth. In the Middle Ages, walking through the church with its round nave and fortress-like walls was the closest one could get to Jerusalem without making the pilgrimage.
Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code, mentioned Temple Church in the main scenes of the book and movie. This propelled the Temple and the Knights Templar into popularity among tourists.
15. Weston-super-Mare
Weston-super-Mare, or Weston for short, is a seaside town in North Somerset, England. It makes the perfect summer getaway when you are looking for day trips from London and ideas for a bucket list. Here you can:
- Walk along the beach.
- Visit the helicopter museum.
- Explore the Grand Pier.
- Visit the Lambretta Museum of Scooters.
- Try scones with clotted cream and jam at Mr. Fox’s Tearoom.
- Ride the Ferris Wheel.
London to Weston-super-Mare: 3 hours by car or bus, 2 hours by train.
16. Windsor Castle in Windsor
Located just 21 miles (33 km) outside of London, a visit to Windsor is a perfect day trip from London through the British countryside. Windsor Castle is one of the official residences of the royal family. Visitors can explore the castle grounds, discover the chapel, tour Windsor Castle (get tickets in advance), and stroll along the Long Walk, a 2.5 mile path that connects the castle to The Great Park.
London to Windsor: ~1 hour by car, 40 minutes by bus, 45 minutes by train
7 Weekend Trips from London to Europe
If you’d rather swap countryside for another country entirely, the Eurostar makes it amazingly easy to turn a weekend in London into a proper European getaway. These are the spots worth the extra train ticket.
17. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is one of the most popular and colorful tourist destinations close to London. The canal houses in Amsterdam are typically narrow, tall, colorful, and overlook a canal.
Things to do on a jaunt to Amsterdam?
- Visit the Anne Frank house.
- Take a boat tour.
- Walk along the canals.
- Visit in the spring and enjoy a guided tour of tulip fields.
- Wander through the Red Light District.
- Eat stroopwafels.
- Explore the Rijksmuseum.
- Discover the Corrie ten Boom house in Haarlem just 15 minutes outside Amsterdam.
London to Amsterdam by Eurostar: ~ 4 hours
18. Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is often referred to as the Venice of the North. There is a lot to do in Bruges if you are planning weekend trips from London to Europe.
Things to do in Bruges:
- Visit the heart of the city center in Bruges Market Square. You will find the tourism information center here.
- Visit the picturesque Wijngaerde Beguinage.
- Take a horse and buggy ride through the cobbled streets.
- Enjoy the market on Wednesday morning.
- Take a canal boat tour.
- Discover the Bruges Photo Point at the corner of Rozenhoedkaai Street and Huidenvettersplein town square.
- Climb the Belfry of Bruges.
- Visit the Historium Museum and climb the Historium Tower.
- Discover Blinde Ezelstraat (blind donkey street).
- Photograph windmills.
- Try beignets.
London to Bruges by Eurostar: less than 3.5 hours by train.
19. Disneyland Paris, France
A weekend break to Disneyland Paris is simply magical whether you are planning a couples getaway or a family adventure. You can explore the Sleeping Beauty Castle, meet your favorite Disney princesses, and ride your favorite ride over and over again. If you are planning your first trip, discover 40 Disneyland Paris hacks, tips & hints to help you have an amazing trip!
London to Lille via Eurostar, then TGV to Marne-la-Vallée-Chessy: ~3 hours
20. Ghent, Belgium
Chris and I spent the night at the Ghent Marriott right off Korenlei Street next to the canal in the center of the historic district. Enter a storybook setting with the quaint architecture, the canal, the cobbled streets, the smell, and the beautiful sunshine.
You will quickly discover that Ghent is one of the most enchanting destinations that you can explore! Choose one of the canal tours to get up close and personal with many homes and businesses.
London to Ghent via Eurostar: 3 hours
21. Mont-Saint-Michel, France
Mont Saint Michel is uniquely located on a small rocky island off the coast of Normandy surrounded by the waters of the sea during high tides. The island commune paints a dramatic picture at sunset. There are a lot of stairs within the Abbey, but if you are able to climb, you’ll enjoy seeing:
- The view from the west terrace
- The cloister gallery and its architectural details
- The refectory (dining room)
- The monks’ walkway
We parked our rental car across the bay to visit Mont Saint Michel and found a shuttle bus for the 3 km drive to the Abbey.
Reserve tickets to visit the Abbey
London to Mont-Saint-Michel: There is no direct train to Mont-Saint-Michel. It would take about 7.5 hours if you were to drive. Take the Eurostar from London to Paris and then take alternate transportation from there.
22. Normandy, France
Explore the significant historical sites from World War II, as you visit Normandy and discover quaint beach towns all along the coast of France. As you visit the beaches of Normandy and gaze out from the cliffs or stand among the rows upons rows of crosses in the American cemetery, it is impossible not to be impacted by the tremendous acts of bravery as real life moments are shared on Normandy tours.
London to Normandy: There is no direct train to Normandy. It would take about 6.5 hours if you were to drive. You can take the Eurostar from London to Paris and then take alternate transportation from there.
23. Paris, France
Want to enjoy weekend trips from London to Paris by train? It is possible on the Eurostar. It takes less than 2.5 hours by train and offers you a wonderful weekend getaway to the “City of Love”. Do you love to visit museums? How about cathedrals? Famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower? Or monuments? Need to try crepes or macarons? Paris has got you covered!
London to Paris by Eurostar: 2 hours and 20 minutes.
You Are Gonna Want Your Camera
All of these locations are Instagram worthy, so you’re gonna want to take some great shots with your phone or camera.
Camera Gear Basics
Keep your camera handy—beautiful moments pop up everywhere. What’s in my camera bag? Check out my favorite photography equipment.
- No DSLR? Your iPhone works too — the best camera is the one you have with you.
- Camera body — Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III (grab-and-go) or Canon EOS Rebel SL3 (if you want to learn manual mode).
- Lens — Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM (“Nifty Fifty”) is inexpensive, sharp, and great for portraits.
- Camera Clip — The Peak Design Clip attaches to a backpack strap so the camera isn’t hanging off your neck all day.
- Small Tripod — The GorillaPod has flexible legs that wrap around railings or branches, no need to haul a full tripod.
- Wireless Remote — A wireless remote lets you be hands-free.
Travel Gear for Your English Countryside Getaways
Beyond your camera, a few things make English countryside days easier—comfortable shoes for cobblestones and muddy paths, a crossbody bag that keeps your hands free for photos, and sun protection even when the forecast says “cloudy”.
- Sunscreen: Use sunscreen every day.
- Hand Sanitizer: For all the things you touch throughout the day, hand sanitizer is essential.
- Travel Adapter: England uses the Type G (3-pin) outlet type. Purchase one here.
- Travel Backpack: Chris likes his The North Face Recon Backpack. I just started using The North Face Surge backpack designed for women.
- Crossbody Anti-Theft Bag: Pickpocketing is a real concern A secure crossbody bag keeps your belongings close without the bulk. I love the Travelon Anti-theft Crossbody Bag.
- Packing Cubes: These are a game changer for staying organized, especially when you’re moving between cities. Shop packing cubes here.
- Portable Power Bank: Long days of sightseeing, navigation, and photography will drain your phone faster than you think. Don’t get caught without one. Shop my favorite power bank here.
- Walking Shoes: You’ll cover a lot of ground. Comfortable, broken-in shoes are essential. Shop walking shoes here.
- Favorite Electronics: I am an Apple user—watch, phone, tablets, AirPod, and Apple AirTags for security. Don’t forget the cables and chargers too. Check out my electronics suggestions here.
England Quick Facts
- Official Language: English
- Capital City: London
- Population: 57.6 million
- Currency: British Pound (GBP)
- Power Outlet: Type G (3-pin)
- Emergency Number: 999 (or 112)
- Drive on the: Left side of the road
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest city to visit from London?
Paris is the easiest major city to reach from London—the Eurostar gets you there in about 2 hours and 20 minutes, no flight required. If you’d rather stay in England, Bath and Windsor are both under 1.5 hours by train and pack in just as much charm.
Is Stonehenge a tourist trap?
Over the years, Stonehenge has become the quintessential definition of a tourist trap. The transformation of the area now includes a gift shop and loads of tour buses arriving each day. All visitors are required to purchase tickets to visit the site.
Is it possible to visit Stonehenge without purchasing a ticket?
Good news! Yes, you can visit Stonehenge without purchasing an entry ticket. However, you will not be able to walk up to the stone circle. There are public footpaths and viewpoints at a distance that would still allow you to experience the magic of Stonehenge.
What are some hidden countryside gems near London for day trips?
Beyond the obvious stops like Bath and Stonehenge, Bakewell, Snowshill, and Fairford are three of the least crowded, most photogenic villages on this list, all reachable in a few hours from London
What makes a good guide to countryside escapes within reach of London?
The best guides mix well-known stops like Windsor and Stonehenge with lesser-known villages like Snowshill and Fairford, plus honest travel times so you know what’s realistic as a day trip versus what needs a full weekend.
Do you need a car to explore the Cotswolds?
Pretty much, yes. Bus service between Cotswolds villages is infrequent, so renting a car gives you the flexibility to hit multiple villages in a day.
Can you combine Stonehenge, Bath, and the Cotswolds into one trip?
Yes, all three sit roughly in the same direction west of London, so with a rental car you could see all three in a long weekend, though each deserves its own day if you don’t want to feel rushed.
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You Have to See These English Countryside Getaways to Believe Them!
Is there an English countryside getaway that sparks your interest? I would happily return to the Cotswolds to explore for another week, but there are also plenty of places in Ireland, Scotland and Wales that I have yet to visit as well. Good thing this world is big and wide with new adventures possible everywhere you go!
If the Cotswolds is one of the charming destinations you plan to visit, download my free Cotswolds Packing Guide. You’ll find it works for most of your countryside getaways.
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You’ve included some of our favorites, such as the Seven Sisters Cliffs. We also often recommend Oxford as a day trip (or weekend getaway), and highly recommend weekend getaways to the Lake District, Edinburgh, and Cornwall.
So many of these need to be added to my list! I have heard that Stonehenge is kind of a let-down, which is sad.
I would love to visit London, but I could only handle it for a day. I much prefer smaller towns which makes me attracted to all of these spots you’ve mentioned. But I specifically would love to visit the Cotswolds one day.
A good roundup of options for a day trip from London. It’s so often people only stay in London and don’t realise that they can jump on a train and be at the coast or countryside in a short amount of time.
This is such a good selection of spots… I was definitely today years old when I found out Southampton was where the Titanic set sail from 😆
Lots of great weekend escapes from London – my two favourite Bath and Paris.
Hello! What a great list of spots! I would probably choose visiting Cotswolds or Dover, but other destinations also sound cool.